North African Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata)

The North African Crested Porcupine is one of the largest rodents in the world. Its black or brown body is covered with porcupine quills that can reach up to 14 inches. It prefers rocky terrain, where it spends most of the day in complex burrows. 

While generally peaceful, the Crested Porcupine will fight back when it perceives an immediate threat.